For Immediate Release Common Cause New Mexico’s Executive Director, Viki Harrison, released the following statement today regarding the Secretary of State situation

“Like the rest of the state, Common Cause New Mexico was shocked to hear of the criminal complaints filed against our Secretary of State, Dianna Duran, by the Attorney General,” said Harrison.

“As Secretary of State, Dianna Duran is the elected official in New Mexico in charge of many important functions, including the implementation of campaign finance laws; ethics enforcement for candidates and lobbyists; and the operation of elections across the state to ensure the utmost integrity in the process.

These are critical functions in our state government, and we were very encouraged to read Governor Martinez’ statement ensuring that ‘all relevant state agencies have and will continue to assist the attorney general throughout the process.’

These charges are serious, and we are hopeful for a quick and fair outcome in court so this important office can get back to business and the state is not dragged through a long process that further deteriorates public trust in our elected officials.”

Common Cause is a nonpartisan grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process.